Game Art& Design

I want to put my ideas in play.

Welcome to one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. If you’re still reading, then you must be up to the challenge. And that’s good, because you’re also in line for a career where you can feed your passion for gaming—and turn the skills you've honed into a career where you do what you love. Your future starts in our Game Art & Design degree programs, where you can learn what you need to become a key player in the game creation process. Using the same kinds of technology professionals use, you’ll explore what it takes to get games into the production pipeline. And get yourself into a dynamic industry. You’ll be surrounded and inspired by other talented, creatively driven students. And you’ll be pushed, challenged, and, above all else, supported by experienced faculty*. It’ll put your talent and commitment to the test. But it could also put you in a position to succeed.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art & Design

1. Communication: Graduates are skilled visual communicators, effectively collaborate with other artists and designers on a team, can tell a story visually, and possess written and oral skills that enable them to communicate effectively with prospective employers, colleagues, and clients.

2. Problem Solving: Graduates possess the creative design skills to conceptualize, develop, and evaluate a game; and problem solving skills that result in game design solutions, modeling and animation appropriate for a client and/or target audience; and understand the process of project management.

6. Context: Graduates understand game art and design in social, cultural, and historical contexts; have the research skills needed to develop game elements; apply mathematical concepts; the principles of acting and staging; and possess an ability to apply real world observations to animation.

7. Industry Readiness: Graduates demonstrate the requisite skills in presentation, interviewing, networking, resume-building and game business knowledge critical to seeking an entry-level artist and/or designer position in the industry.

8. Professional Practice: Graduates demonstrate knowledge of the managerial and developmental aspects of the game production pipeline and demonstrate knowledge of planning, budgeting, specifications, constraints, scope, teamwork, problem solving, and deadlines that go into making a market-ready game.

Classroom Experience

I'm ready to take the intensity to a whole new level.

If you see yourself using your creativity to tell stories, you’re looking at a rigorous education. In Game Art & Design, you’ll start with the fundamentals like the principles of design, drawing, and color, in both traditional and digital art. You can build skills in game design, level design, 2D concept art, 3D modeling, texturing, and real-time lighting. The focus is on the principles of gaming, balance, and usability; creating the entire gaming experience; and developing games that’ll be used in industry-standard engines. You’ll explore the planning, scope, problem-solving abilities, and economics of creating a market-ready game. And through it all you’ll put in a lot of hours, work your way through a lot of trial and error, and find yourself challenged by other like-minded students. See our gainful employment pages for possible careers that match the program that interests you.

Meet Our Alumni

Alison Leake

Graphic & Web Design
, 2008

"[My education taught me to] approach a project in a logical, thoughtful way. It was a great simulation of how to tackle design challenges in the real world."

Alison Leake

Allison Leake is working as the senior graphic designer for the Chicago Architecture Foundation. She’s responsible for the design of company materials and art direction. Allison says that each day includes communicating about design strategy with marketing co-workers and other departments. She also manages workflow in the design department and art directs design projects done by other designers, communicates with print vendors, and processes invoices. She enjoys solving design challenges and communicating with non-designers about how design can serve content and audience. “I am starting to enjoy logo design more after much practice. I have always loved layout projects like brochures and magazines because it requires an understanding of how people read through large amounts of copy.”

Recently, Allison re-branded “Open House Chicago,” a free annual architecture festival showcasing more than 150 architectural gems throughout Chicago. She applied the brand to a variety of collateral pieces including posters, flyers, print/digital/out-of-home advertising, onsite signage, and t-shirts. She looks to packaging design blogs for creative inspiration. “I think the best typography and illustration, as well as the thoughtful use of both in creating impactful POP display, pushes me to stretch my creativity and problem-solving within my own job.”

Allison, who in 2008 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications from The Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago, says that her education taught her the importance of being process-oriented. “Approaching a project in a logical, thoughtful way was a great simulation of how to tackle design challenges in the real world. Without it, I would be lost. Also, relying on my professors as mentors helped me to value the utilization of anyone around me as a resource to develop my own skills and career.” She tells current students that finding a niche in the industry may take time. “You will not necessarily know exactly what to do the first day or week or year out there. Your job is to take direction well, learn as much as possible and use whatever skills you gain over time to excel in what you do, in every way.”

See aiprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important info.

Christine LaSorda

Christine LaSorda

Christine LaSorda is the owner of A Baker’s Tale in Chicago, Illinois. She oversees daily operations, cost control, and marketing. Christine adds that every day is different—but all start quite early—at 4 am. “I am proud that at the age of 28, I was able to open the bakery of my dreams. I have an incredible staff and it’s everything I envisioned and more. It’s so fulfilling to do something you’re put all of yourself into and love so much.”

Christine finds inspiration in family and friends, and in the life wisdom that these people have passed on to her. She abides by her father’s philosophy that “you can be successful while still being a good person.” Christine adds that her profession allows her to express herself and try new, creative ideas. “[My staff builds] on each other and it’s just so much fun.”

Christine earned an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management from The Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago in 2012. She also earned an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from the same school in 2011. She says that her instructors brought real-world experience into the classroom. “This industry is tough and they prepare you for that, but they always encourage you as well.” She suggests that current culinary students make sure that they’re dedicated to the industry. “Sleep now while you can. Make sure you love it and make sure you are willing to work for it.”

See aiprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important info.

Heather Ditson

Heather Ditson

Heather Ditson is working as a head designer for Calvin Klein @ G-III Apparel in New York City. Heather is responsible for designing and developing seasonal print/color directions for swimwear as well as developing new silhouettes, trims, prints, and embellishments. She also manages the design team and oversees and manages fittings. Heather works with overseas vendors and her in-house team. “In the early stages of design, I am working with a graphic artist to get the prints and color story perfect. Next, I focus on silhouettes and new body development,” she says. Many weeks of fittings and approvals follow before the design moves forward. “[We have] internal meetings to make sure we are all still confident about our selections.”

Heather’s swimwear design career began with the Anne Cole brand. “I was involved in the early stages of his now-renowned, successful label.” Heather adds that business growth at Calvin Klein has increased since she’s come on board. “Being a large part of these labels’ success makes me feel extremely proud in every way.” To gain inspiration, Heather visits large and small beach towns and stays tuned-in to trends, fashion shows, and magazines.

Heather, who in 2009 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from The Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago, says that her education provided a well-rounded overview of the fashion industry. “The technical courses offered in Adobe Suite, Web PDM, and U4ia were essential to my success.” Heather recommends that current students take on a variety of internships to learn the industry. “This will help you to determine your long term career goals.” She adds that knowing one part of the industry doesn’t automatically mean you can move into another area. “If you [have] five years a swimsuit designer it doesn’t mean you are qualified to move right into an evening wear design position. Changing fields is like starting over in your career. Make sure you are happy doing what you’re doing.”

Raven Norman

Raven Norman

Raven Norman is working as an assistant designer at Randa Accessories in Rosemont, Illinois. She’s responsible for leather goods design. Raven works on brands including True Religion, Columbia, Levi's, and Dockers. A typical workday includes following up with factories in Asia to ensure that sample development continues to stay on track. “I also do trend research on menswear and general accessories. However the majority of my workday is developing new designs and problem solving.”

Raven is proud of her experience working with Polo Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein in New York City. “I am also very proud of my recent success in Asia. I was graced with the opportunity to work with our factories in China and Hong Kong. The business knowledge and cultural exposure I obtained during this trip was very beneficial. I count that trip as both a personal and professional accomplishment.” Raven enjoys using her fashion as a way to express herself through colors, silhouettes, and textures. She adds that she’s inspired by street fashion and the personal style that it embodies. “I am also inspired by Ralph Lauren. Ralph Lauren is exceptionally distinctive and classic, I admire how the brand has carved a sector in the market that no other brand has been able to trek upon.”

Raven, who in 2012 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from The Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago, says that her education provided a solid foundation for her career. “The career services department aided me in sourcing new opportunities that allowed me to build my résumé.” She recommends that current students pursue internships. “I also encourage [students] to gain knowledge of business development and merchandising.”

Salisia Webber

Salisia Webber

Salisia is an account manager and merchandiser for 4Seasons Global, a full service design, sourcing, manufacturing, and import company in Chicago, Illinois. She manages retail accounts and works with overseas suppliers—a typical day could start at 4 am with a Skype call to a partner in a foreign country. “What I enjoy most about my career is being able to learn about different industries while traveling and meeting new people. I’ve been able to travel to Spain, China, and large cities in the United States. And I get to work with everyone from engineers to extremely creative designers.”

Salisia finds creative inspiration in the world around her and counts her heroes as people who have a personal style and “make any piece they’re wearing their own.” She’s proud to have changed career paths within fashion, moving from design to fashion buying and merchandising. Salisia recommends that current students learn the industry’s trending technology. “There are so many great apps, fun blogs, and websites that are accessible to everyone. It’s like fashion on the go.”

Salisia, who in 2002 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from The Illinois Institute of Art—Chicago, says that her education taught the importance of meeting deadlines and never taking no for an answer. “I [learned] to push myself beyond limits. Having gained these skills as a student [helped me] to survive many obstacles in my career—and still come out on the winning side.”

What Will I Study?

I have the imagination. I need the tools.

In this competitive industry, companies are looking for creative people who are passionate about the craft of taking a game from concept to market-ready. The curriculum for Game Art & Design will help you prepare to do just that, as you study:

Digital Imaging

Life Drawing

Drawing & Anatomy

2D Animation

Digital Storytelling

Character and Object Design

3D Modeling

Game Art & Design

Texture Mapping

3D Animation

Material & Lighting

Game Modeling

Game Production Pipeline

Designing Interior Spaces and Worlds

I'm looking for my proving ground.

At The Art Institutes system of schools, creativity is our core, our calling, our culture. Game Art & Design is built on that creative foundation. It’s also built on our knowledge that a creative career is not for the faint of heart. Because it’s tough out there, it’s tough in here. But we temper the tough with the support you need to make your creativity marketable. We provide the mentoring and real-world experience you need to prevail, with faculty* who’ve worked in the field and internship possibilities at successful businesses. Here, you’ll be encouraged and expected to be bold. To take risks. To push yourself and the people around you. So if your heart is telling you that you belong in a creative field, you belong here. It’s the hardest thing you’ll ever love.

*Credentials and experience levels vary by faculty and instructors.

Meet Our Alumni

Alison Leake

Graphic & Web Design
, 2008

"[My education taught me to] approach a project in a logical, thoughtful way. It was a great simulation of how to tackle design challenges in the real world."

Alison Leake

Allison Leake is working as the senior graphic designer for the Chicago Architecture Foundation. She’s responsible for the design of company materials and art direction. Allison says that each day includes communicating about design strategy with marketing co-workers and other departments. She also manages workflow in the design department and art directs design projects done by other designers, communicates with print vendors, and processes invoices. She enjoys solving design challenges and communicating with non-designers about how design can serve content and audience. “I am starting to enjoy logo design more after much practice. I have always loved layout projects like brochures and magazines because it requires an understanding of how people read through large amounts of copy.”

Recently, Allison re-branded “Open House Chicago,” a free annual architecture festival showcasing more than 150 architectural gems throughout Chicago. She applied the brand to a variety of collateral pieces including posters, flyers, print/digital/out-of-home advertising, onsite signage, and t-shirts. She looks to packaging design blogs for creative inspiration. “I think the best typography and illustration, as well as the thoughtful use of both in creating impactful POP display, pushes me to stretch my creativity and problem-solving within my own job.”

Allison, who in 2008 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications from The Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago, says that her education taught her the importance of being process-oriented. “Approaching a project in a logical, thoughtful way was a great simulation of how to tackle design challenges in the real world. Without it, I would be lost. Also, relying on my professors as mentors helped me to value the utilization of anyone around me as a resource to develop my own skills and career.” She tells current students that finding a niche in the industry may take time. “You will not necessarily know exactly what to do the first day or week or year out there. Your job is to take direction well, learn as much as possible and use whatever skills you gain over time to excel in what you do, in every way.”

See aiprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important info.

Christine LaSorda

Christine LaSorda

Christine LaSorda is the owner of A Baker’s Tale in Chicago, Illinois. She oversees daily operations, cost control, and marketing. Christine adds that every day is different—but all start quite early—at 4 am. “I am proud that at the age of 28, I was able to open the bakery of my dreams. I have an incredible staff and it’s everything I envisioned and more. It’s so fulfilling to do something you’re put all of yourself into and love so much.”

Christine finds inspiration in family and friends, and in the life wisdom that these people have passed on to her. She abides by her father’s philosophy that “you can be successful while still being a good person.” Christine adds that her profession allows her to express herself and try new, creative ideas. “[My staff builds] on each other and it’s just so much fun.”

Christine earned an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management from The Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago in 2012. She also earned an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from the same school in 2011. She says that her instructors brought real-world experience into the classroom. “This industry is tough and they prepare you for that, but they always encourage you as well.” She suggests that current culinary students make sure that they’re dedicated to the industry. “Sleep now while you can. Make sure you love it and make sure you are willing to work for it.”

See aiprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important info.

Heather Ditson

Heather Ditson

Heather Ditson is working as a head designer for Calvin Klein @ G-III Apparel in New York City. Heather is responsible for designing and developing seasonal print/color directions for swimwear as well as developing new silhouettes, trims, prints, and embellishments. She also manages the design team and oversees and manages fittings. Heather works with overseas vendors and her in-house team. “In the early stages of design, I am working with a graphic artist to get the prints and color story perfect. Next, I focus on silhouettes and new body development,” she says. Many weeks of fittings and approvals follow before the design moves forward. “[We have] internal meetings to make sure we are all still confident about our selections.”

Heather’s swimwear design career began with the Anne Cole brand. “I was involved in the early stages of his now-renowned, successful label.” Heather adds that business growth at Calvin Klein has increased since she’s come on board. “Being a large part of these labels’ success makes me feel extremely proud in every way.” To gain inspiration, Heather visits large and small beach towns and stays tuned-in to trends, fashion shows, and magazines.

Heather, who in 2009 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from The Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago, says that her education provided a well-rounded overview of the fashion industry. “The technical courses offered in Adobe Suite, Web PDM, and U4ia were essential to my success.” Heather recommends that current students take on a variety of internships to learn the industry. “This will help you to determine your long term career goals.” She adds that knowing one part of the industry doesn’t automatically mean you can move into another area. “If you [have] five years a swimsuit designer it doesn’t mean you are qualified to move right into an evening wear design position. Changing fields is like starting over in your career. Make sure you are happy doing what you’re doing.”

Raven Norman

Raven Norman

Raven Norman is working as an assistant designer at Randa Accessories in Rosemont, Illinois. She’s responsible for leather goods design. Raven works on brands including True Religion, Columbia, Levi's, and Dockers. A typical workday includes following up with factories in Asia to ensure that sample development continues to stay on track. “I also do trend research on menswear and general accessories. However the majority of my workday is developing new designs and problem solving.”

Raven is proud of her experience working with Polo Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein in New York City. “I am also very proud of my recent success in Asia. I was graced with the opportunity to work with our factories in China and Hong Kong. The business knowledge and cultural exposure I obtained during this trip was very beneficial. I count that trip as both a personal and professional accomplishment.” Raven enjoys using her fashion as a way to express herself through colors, silhouettes, and textures. She adds that she’s inspired by street fashion and the personal style that it embodies. “I am also inspired by Ralph Lauren. Ralph Lauren is exceptionally distinctive and classic, I admire how the brand has carved a sector in the market that no other brand has been able to trek upon.”

Raven, who in 2012 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from The Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago, says that her education provided a solid foundation for her career. “The career services department aided me in sourcing new opportunities that allowed me to build my résumé.” She recommends that current students pursue internships. “I also encourage [students] to gain knowledge of business development and merchandising.”

Salisia Webber

Salisia Webber

Salisia is an account manager and merchandiser for 4Seasons Global, a full service design, sourcing, manufacturing, and import company in Chicago, Illinois. She manages retail accounts and works with overseas suppliers—a typical day could start at 4 am with a Skype call to a partner in a foreign country. “What I enjoy most about my career is being able to learn about different industries while traveling and meeting new people. I’ve been able to travel to Spain, China, and large cities in the United States. And I get to work with everyone from engineers to extremely creative designers.”

Salisia finds creative inspiration in the world around her and counts her heroes as people who have a personal style and “make any piece they’re wearing their own.” She’s proud to have changed career paths within fashion, moving from design to fashion buying and merchandising. Salisia recommends that current students learn the industry’s trending technology. “There are so many great apps, fun blogs, and websites that are accessible to everyone. It’s like fashion on the go.”

Salisia, who in 2002 earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from The Illinois Institute of Art—Chicago, says that her education taught the importance of meeting deadlines and never taking no for an answer. “I [learned] to push myself beyond limits. Having gained these skills as a student [helped me] to survive many obstacles in my career—and still come out on the winning side.”